Hyde Park development discussions focus on traffic safety and community engagement strategies

Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) Board Members and the City of Cincinnati's Healthy Neighborhoods Committee convened on April 16, 2025, to address pressing community concerns, particularly regarding youth sports and the Hyde Park School development.

A key focus of the meeting was the ongoing support for youth leagues across the city. Board members emphasized the importance of collaboration among adults to secure funding and resources for youth sports programs. While CPS provides facilities, they clarified that they do not oversee the leagues directly. The board expressed a commitment to ensuring that youth have safe opportunities to participate in sports.

The discussion then shifted to the Hyde Park School development, where community feedback has raised concerns about traffic safety. Dr. Kareem Moffett led the conversation, highlighting the need for updates from the Department of Transportation and Engineering (DOTE) regarding a recent traffic impact study. The study indicated that current traffic patterns create congestion during school drop-off and pick-up times, prompting discussions about potential solutions.

Mr. Chris Burkhart from DOTE presented a proposed traffic flow adjustment that aims to alleviate congestion by modifying the school’s parking layout. This proposal, however, is still in the conceptual stage, and further discussions with the school principal and community stakeholders are necessary to refine the plan.

Board members voiced their concerns about pedestrian safety, particularly for students who walk to school. They stressed the importance of involving the community in discussions to ensure that all voices are heard and that safety measures are effectively implemented. The board also noted the need for ongoing dialogue with the developer to explore additional options for traffic management.

Looking ahead, the committee plans to reconvene on August 6, 2025, to continue these discussions and address follow-up items. The meeting underscored the collaborative efforts between CPS and city officials to enhance community safety and support youth engagement in sports, reflecting a shared commitment to fostering healthy neighborhoods in Cincinnati.